Marilyn Hughes (Fracture arm/leg) All Questions and
Answers Complete
The nurse understands that neurovascular assessments should be performed how
frequently during the first 24 hrs following application of an immobilization device to a
fractured extremity?
Every hour
A major nursing concern following the application of an immobilization device is hourly
assessment of the extremity during the first 24 hrs and every 1 to 4 hours thereafter to
prevent neurovascular dysfunction or compromise from edema or a constricting
immobilization device
Which of the following are appropriate initial nursing interventions to control discomfort
in a fractured extremity stabilized with a splint or cast?
Intermittent cold packs
analgesic medication
elevation of extremity
Pain caused by edema can be reduced in the fractured extremity that has normal
neurovascular checks by using intermittent cold packs and elevating the extremity. An
analgesic medication is ordered to control pain. Warm compresses and lowering the
extremity can increase edema and pain.
The nurse understands that assessing neurovascular function in a patient with a brace,
splint, or cast is vitally important. Neurovascular assessment findings that indicate
neurovascular compromise include which of the following?
paralysis
paresthesia
pallor
The "5 Ps" indicative of symptoms of neurovascular compromise are: PAIN, PALLOR,
PULSELESSNESS, PARESTHESIA, PARALYSIS
When monitoring for potential complications after surgery, what finding would cause the
nurse to suspect that the patient is experiencing postoperative bleeding?
decrease in hemoglobin
Decrease in hemoglobin would suggest bleeding. Hematocrit would also decrease.
An increase in WBC could indicate infection. Bleeding and decrease in intravascular
fluid volume would cause an increase in creatinine from decreased blood volume to the
kidneys.
What assessment findings observed by the nurse would demonstrate poor vascular
perfusion to a splinted extremity?
decreased pedal pulses
pale foot
Poor arterial perfusion and venous congestion would cause a decrease in pulses and
Answers Complete
The nurse understands that neurovascular assessments should be performed how
frequently during the first 24 hrs following application of an immobilization device to a
fractured extremity?
Every hour
A major nursing concern following the application of an immobilization device is hourly
assessment of the extremity during the first 24 hrs and every 1 to 4 hours thereafter to
prevent neurovascular dysfunction or compromise from edema or a constricting
immobilization device
Which of the following are appropriate initial nursing interventions to control discomfort
in a fractured extremity stabilized with a splint or cast?
Intermittent cold packs
analgesic medication
elevation of extremity
Pain caused by edema can be reduced in the fractured extremity that has normal
neurovascular checks by using intermittent cold packs and elevating the extremity. An
analgesic medication is ordered to control pain. Warm compresses and lowering the
extremity can increase edema and pain.
The nurse understands that assessing neurovascular function in a patient with a brace,
splint, or cast is vitally important. Neurovascular assessment findings that indicate
neurovascular compromise include which of the following?
paralysis
paresthesia
pallor
The "5 Ps" indicative of symptoms of neurovascular compromise are: PAIN, PALLOR,
PULSELESSNESS, PARESTHESIA, PARALYSIS
When monitoring for potential complications after surgery, what finding would cause the
nurse to suspect that the patient is experiencing postoperative bleeding?
decrease in hemoglobin
Decrease in hemoglobin would suggest bleeding. Hematocrit would also decrease.
An increase in WBC could indicate infection. Bleeding and decrease in intravascular
fluid volume would cause an increase in creatinine from decreased blood volume to the
kidneys.
What assessment findings observed by the nurse would demonstrate poor vascular
perfusion to a splinted extremity?
decreased pedal pulses
pale foot
Poor arterial perfusion and venous congestion would cause a decrease in pulses and
